The L’Arche community model is based on the belief that human beings develop their abilities and talents most fully when given the opportunity to form mutual relationships of friendship with others.
Within this community model:
- those who assist people living with an intellectual disability them are called “assistants”
- relationships based on friendship are considered to be as important as professional relationships in promoting the personal growth of people living with an intellectual disability
- some assistants live in the community homes with people living with an intellectual disability just as they would live with any family
- people living with an intellectual disability may live full-time or come for short stays in a Community household or may live in their own place and take part in Community activities
- everyone in a household —people living with an intellectual disability and assistants alike — is considered to be equally responsible for the life of the community
If you are seeking support for a person with intellectual disability go to the Community pages or fill in the Contact form and get in touch with your local L’Arche Community.